Peter Schmeichel slams underperforming Manchester United stars

Manchester United players have not stepped up to the mark this season (Picture: Reuters)

Peter Schmeichel has blasted Manchester United’s senior players, insisting a number of them aren’t up to the job.

United have struggled to adapt to life after Sir Alex Ferguson, currently sitting seventh in the Premier League and having been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Third Round to Swansea.

And former Old Trafford goalkeeper Schmeichel says a number of David Moyes’ squad need to buck up their ideas if United are to claw themselves back into contention for a top four spot this term.

‘There are a few in the dressing room that are not taking the responsibility of being a Manchester United player as seriously as I would like it,’ said the Dane.

‘I find that a big shame. There are a few players there that haven’t been performing this year or the year before and I think at some point the manager needs to make a decision, whether to keep them or not keep them, and then maybe bring some younger players in instead to make some kind of statement.

‘If you’re a senior player and you really want to make an impact in the dressing room, it’s difficult if you have players there who are not as committed as you are and they have a certain status.

Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Third Round last week (Picture: Reuters)

‘I’ve said it before and I’m not afraid to say that and it could be something that could be done in this transfer window, to maybe let a few players go and if that happens you have a better chance of self-help in the dressing room.’

Moyes endured a tough transfer window over the summer, as he struggled to bolster the squad inherited from Ferguson, with the deadline day arrival of Marouane Fellaini his only senior signing.

United have been linked with several players this month, while the likes of WIlfried Zaha and Nemanja Vidic have also had their futures at Old Trafford questioned.